Zion Congregational Church – today U of T Joint Centre for Bioethics

6 February 2022

Initially built for Zion Congregational Church, today University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics occupies the building at 88 College St (at Elizabeth St on the northwest corner, west of Bay St) in the Bay Coverhill neighbourhood and Discovery District of Toronto.

Built in 1882/83 at the cost of $32,000, the church’s cornerstone was laid in July 1882. Architects Smith & Gemmell designed the structure in the early Gothic Revival style.

The building received heritage status from the City of Toronto in 1976.

Zion Congregational Church Photos

1930 - Zion Congregational Church once occupied the building at 88 College St - today home to the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics — 1930 – Zion Congregational Church once occupied the building at 88 College St – today home to the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics (City of Toronto Archives, Series 372, Sub Series 3, Item 861)

2021 - Today home to the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, Zion Congregational Church once occupied the building at College St and Elizabeth St, northwest corner — 2021 – Today home to the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, Zion Congregational Church once occupied the building at College St and Elizabeth St, northwest corner

Sketch of Zion Congregational Church (Landmarks of Toronto Volume 4 by J Ross Robertson – 1904)

1972 - Originally home to Zion Congregational Church, today the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics occupies the building at 88 College St and Elizabeth St on the northwest corner — 1972 – Originally home to Zion Congregational Church, today the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics occupies the building at 88 College St and Elizabeth St on the northwest corner (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 2032, Series 841, File 46, Item 17)

1899 - Goads Map showing the location of the Zion Congregational Church - Dr Emily Stowe Way (north of College St opposite Elizabeth St) was once called Howland Pl — 1899 – Goads Map showing the location of the Zion Congregational Church – Dr Emily Stowe Way (north of College St opposite Elizabeth St) was once called Howland Pl (Toronto Public Library)

Source

City of Toronto Heritage Register: 88 College St
Landmarks of Toronto: Volume 4 by J Ross Robertson (1904), pgs 474-476
Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives
Vintage Map: Atlas of the City of Toronto 1899 by Chas E Goad from the Toronto Public Library